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Analysis

Turkey's Gaza ambitions grow as Israel's pushback hardens: Can US mediate?

Ankara is expanding its influence in Gaza through aid and mediation amid Israeli wariness, heightening tensions that the United States is working to keep in check.

By Rina Bassist , Ezgi Akin

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Turkey to navigate enduring Iranian influence in Iraq following elections

Ankara will have to navigate Iran-aligned factions’ influence in Iraq while safeguarding strategic ties and ongoing cooperation with Baghdad.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

A view of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, on Jan. 26, 2014.

Analysis

Could ongoing Iran-IAEA stalemate risk new war?

Iran's standoff with the UN nuclear watchdog has sharpened after Tehran blocked inspections and dismissed Western calls for compliance.

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

A demonstrator wearing a bandana in the colours of the Lebanese flag smokes a cigarette as retired Lebanese army and security forces veterans gather to protest outside the government palace headquarters in the centre of Beirut on March 22, 2023, demanding inflation-adjustments to their pensions. (Photo by Joseph EID / AFP) (Photo by JOSEPH EID/AFP via Getty Images)

Culture

Why Lebanon now leads the world in rising cancer rates

A recent study found that Lebanon has the world’s fastest-rising cases of cancer and cancer-related deaths. Ali Mokdad, co-author of the study, says tobacco is the main culprit.

Lebanon

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 21: Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations | Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs at the Rayburn House Office Building on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. Rubio testified on the proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of State. (Photo by John McDonnell/Getty Images)

Analysis

US options constrained in Sudan as RSF snubs Washington, sanctions fail

Washington is attempting to broker a humanitarian truce between Sudan’s warring factions, but analysts warn there’s little sign either side is ready to stop fighting.

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Latest News

Fed up with Netanyahu, more Israelis seek European passports

[画像:Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images]

Israel

Analysis

Ahead of MBS visit, Saudis link Israel normalization to 3 asks from Trump

[画像:US President Donald J. Trump leaves the Saudi Royal Court with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. ]

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

With Saudi Arabia on sidelines, Trump looks to widen Abraham Accords circle

[画像:Evan Vucci / Getty Images]

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

Iran accused of seizing vessel in Strait of Hormuz diverted from UAE

[画像:GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images]

Iran

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Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy attends a meeting with senior officers of the 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade 'Velykyi Luh' while he visits their command position at a front line, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine November 13, 2025. Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout via REUTERS

Ukraine seeking exchange of 1,200 prisoners with Russia

Reuters

A Red Crescent worker moves a body bag, after two boats carrying migrants capsized off the Libyan coastal city of Al Khums causing multiple casualties, in a location given as Khums, Libya, November 15, 2025. LIBYAN RED CRESCENT SOCIETY IN KHUMS/Handout via REUTERS

At least four dead as two migrant boats capsize off Libya's coast, Red Crescent says

Reuters

Printed Chinese and Japanese flags are seen in this illustration, July 21, 2022. REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration

China Coast Guard ship formation sails through Japan-administered Senkaku Islands

Reuters

FILE PHOTO: UN peacekeepers (UNIFIL) vehicles ride along a street in Marjaayoun, Southern Lebanon January 20, 2025. REUTERS/Mohamed Azakir/File Photo

Lebanon plans UN complaint against Israel over border wall

Reuters

Featured Newsletters

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan (R) shakes hands with Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad Hassan al-Shibani and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (C) at the NEST International Convention Center, in Antalya on May 15, 2025. (UMIT BEKTAS/AFP via Getty Images)

Newsletter: Turkey

Can Turkey-PKK talks survive?

Turkey's ongoing talks with the PKK are blocked by the refusal of the group’s Syrian arm, the Syrian Democratic Forces, to bow to pressure from Damascus and the United States to hand over the oil-rich province of Deir ez-Zor.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

US President Donald Trump meets with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman during a "coffee ceremony" at the Saudi Royal Court on May 13, 2025, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Saudi Arabia hardens position on Israel normalization

As the Trump administration pushes to expand the accords, White House official told Al-Monitor’s Elizabeth Hagedorn that we can expect "a lot of additional Abraham Accord announcements" in the next 100 days.

By Gabrielle Debinski

In New York City, reporting on the Middle East

European Council President Antonio Costa, Kenya's Vice President Abraham Kithure Kindiki, Spain's Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, Ireland's Prime Minister Micheal Martin and the Netherlands' outgoing Prime Minister Dick Schoof pose for the family photo at the Leaders Summit ahead of the COP30 UN climate conference in Belem, Para State, Brazil on November 7, 2025. (PABLO PORCIUNCULA/AFP via Getty Images)

Newsletter: Gulf

Gulf's leading role at COP30

Beneath the diplomatic choreography at COP30, the Gulf’s approach reveals clear contradictions: Since 2021, most GCC states have boosted oil and gas output to fund fiscal reforms.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Trump (L) met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh in May

Newsletter: Israel

Saudi links Israel normalization to 3 US guarantees

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman is unlikely to agree to normalization with Israel during his upcoming visit to Washington. Still, President Donald Trump continues to pressure Riyadh to make progress on this front.

By Rina Bassist , Ben Caspit

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Podcasts

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Adam Sam podcast

The Al-Monitor Brief

Saudi Crown Prince to meet Trump at White House with AI in focus

Adam Lucente interviews Samuel Wendel

11:35

Adam Lucente and Elizabeth Hagedorn

The Al-Monitor Brief

What did Trump, Sharaa accomplish during Syrian president’s White House visit? View from Washington

Adam Lucente interviews Elizabeth Hagedorn

9:33

Renad Mansour

On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

What are the stakes for Iran in Iraq's parliamentary elections?

Amberin Zaman interviews Renad Mansour

ALM Interviews

Exclusive conversations with Al-Monitor.

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Interview

Trump's back channel to Hamas says militants could cede heavy weapons in disarmament deal

[画像:Hamas fighters gather at the site of the handing over of two Israeli hostages in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on Feb. 22, 2025. ]

Bishara Bahbah

Founder, Arab Americans for Peace

Culture

Director Cyril Aris on Lebanon’s Oscar submission, trauma and cinema

[画像:A sad and beautiful world]

Interview

Gulf real estate investors choose UK over US amid political instability

[画像:Khaled Alanani, the Bank of London & The Middle East's head of real estate and investments]

Khaled Alanani

Head of real estate finance and investments, Bank of London and The Middle East

Interview

International Red Cross chief says Gaza conflict goes beyond anything he has ever seen

Pierre Krahenbuhl

Director-General of the International Committee

Members of the Red Cross stand amid the rubble of destroyed buildings as heavy machinery operates in the al-Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City on Oct. 27, 2025.

The City Pulse Newsletters

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arwatani

Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh

Saudi-Palestinian artist Dana Awartani heads to Venice

Plus: A new fine-dining star in Riyadh and rare coins tell the kingdom’s story.

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Plus: Mathaf’s 'we refuse_d,' the MIA Bazaar, and pop hits by the Philharmonic

Newsletter: City Pulse Doha

Darb Al Saai bursts to life with the Fereej Arts & Design Festival

Plus: Mathaf’s 'we refuse_d,' the MIA Bazaar, and pop hits by the Philharmonic.

By Reve Chaaban

In Doha reporting on culture

istanbul

Newsletter: City Pulse Istanbul

Istanbul in watercolor: Ayse Turemis’ living archive

Also this week: stories brewed in tea, color and change.

By Nazlan Ertan

In Izmir and Istanbul, reporting on culture

Dubai

Newsletter: City Pulse Dubai

Dhai Dubai returns, illuminating Emirati art

Also this week: light shows, Korean flavors and museum milestones.

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

Turkey to navigate enduring Iranian influence in Iraq following elections

[画像:AHMAD AL-RUBAYE/AFP via Getty Images]

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

Turkey's Gaza ambitions grow as Israel's pushback hardens: Can US mediate?

[画像:ISTANBUL, TURKEY - JUNE 01: People carry a large Palestinian flag during a protest to express support for Palestinians in Gaza outside the Hagia Sophia Grand Mosque on June 01, 2025 in Istanbul, Turkey. Protests continue as talks between Hamas, Israel and the U.S continue to seek a ceasefire deal and negotiate for a permanent end to the war. (Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images)]

By Rina Bassist , Ezgi Akin

Analysis

US options constrained in Sudan as RSF snubs Washington, sanctions fail

[画像:WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 21: Secretary of State Marco Rubio testifies before the House Committee on Appropriations | Subcommittee on National Security, Department of State, and Related Programs at the Rayburn House Office Building on May 21, 2025 in Washington, DC. Rubio testified on the proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2026 for the Department of State. (Photo by John McDonnell/Getty Images)]

By Rosaleen Carroll

In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East

Analysis

Could ongoing Iran-IAEA stalemate risk new war?

By A correspondent in Tehran

In Tehran, reporting on politics

A view of the Bushehr nuclear power plant in Iran, on Jan. 26, 2014.

Watch

Expert chats and latest footage from our journalists.

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Amberin Zaman, Elizabeth Hagedorn, Danny Makki, Joyce Karam in a virtual discussion on Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa's visit to Washington

Syria's Sharaa in Washington

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1:00:44

Joe Snell

Iraqis prepare to head to the polls

Play Video

1:34

Amberin Zaman in Damascus

Amberin Zaman Reports from Damascus

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0:30

Elizabeth Hagedorn at UNGA in New York

Elizabeth Hagedorn Reporting from UNGA in New York

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1:07

ALM Events

Convening global leaders in business, policy and media.

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Past Live Journalism

DC event

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts food security forum with Dr. Conrad Rein

On October 16, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Dr. Conrad Rein, Secretary of the Global Flagship Initiative for Food Security, alongside representatives from multilateral development banks and the private sector for a discussion on food security in the Middle East and Africa.

Washington, DC

October 16, 2025 11:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

Deema AlYahya

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Digital Cooperation Organization Secretary-General Deemah AlYahya

On Sept. 21, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Deemah AlYahya, Secretary-General of the Digital Cooperation Organization, for a discussion on digital inclusion and economic empowerment in the Middle East, Africa, and Europe.

New York, NY

September 21, 2025 17:00 EDT

Past Live Journalism

Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani at AL-Monitor Global Institute

AL-Monitor Global Institute hosts Iraqi Kurdistan Prime Minister Masrour Barzani and US Energy Secretary Chris Wright

On May 22, 2025, the AL-Monitor Global Institute hosted Prime Minister Masrour Barzani of the Kurdistan Regional Government of Iraq and US Secretary of Energy Chris Wright in Washington DC to discuss the future of power and energy in Iraq’s Kurdistan region.

Washington, DC

May 22, 2025 10:30 EDT